Explanation: In this night skyscape
setting stars trail above the
western horizon over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a venue for the
2014
World Cup.
Gentle arcs from the bright,
colorful stars of
Orion are near the center of the frame, while
the starfield itself straddles planet Earth's
celestial equator during the long exposure.
Of course,
trails from more local lights seem to create the strident
paths through the scene.
Air traffic smears an intense glow over an airport at
the far right, while helicopters fly above the city
and boats cruise near the coast.
Striping the waterfront are
tantalizing reflections of
bright lights along Rio's central beaches, Botafogo and Flamengo.
Near the horizon, the brightest fixed light is
the famous Cristo statue overlooking
Rio at night.